Sam Edmunds’ The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return takes to the stage in Summerhall this Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The powerful piece taps into a rich array of emotions in a thoughtful, humorous, and at times poignant manner as it explores its coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of working-class austerity-hit Luton.
Set in the late 00s, we follow two best friends – our exuberant narrator (Olatunji Ayofe) and Lewis (Elan Butler) – both boys are preparing to leave school, aiming for different directions in life. Before these big decisions, they seek to enjoy a night of illegally buying alcohol, impressing girls, and immersing themselves in a variety of parties.
Co-directed by Edmunds and Vikesh Godhwani, this piece is delivered with a fast-paced energy and vibrant staging. A moveable set designed in the style of a brick wall is transported around the stage, climbed on by characters, and containing doors that pop open to reveal a selection of props to push the narrative on – all whilst tapping into the story of these two urban teens. A soundtrack of 00s/10s UK pop classics helps further transport us back in time, lending a carefree nostalgia thanks to tracks from the likes of Tinie Tempah.
This high energy is carried consistently through an incredible central performance from Olatunji Ayofe, who steers us through the coming-of-age narrative with a fiery enthusiasm. Despite this enthusiasm, the narrator has resigned himself to a fate of staying in Luton, not going to college and following his father’s footsteps into the role of a mechanic. More concerned with ‘the now’ – parties, his crush Lakesha (expertly played by Amaia Naima Aguinaga), and trying to secure a good bottle of booze – the future can wait. Yet the well-constructed protagonist is layered with a complexity – an anger, pressure and fear about finding his place in life and an inability to break through the cycle of hard austerity-hit times. Ayofe delivers lines with a poetic majesty, a radiating energy, and a beautiful mix of poignancy and humour.
Whilst there are plenty of carefree coming-of-age narrative elements to The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return, it does a stellar job at capturing the challenges facing hard-hit communities where residents fight to break the cycle of gang violence, financial strain, and decline of local areas. Yet Edmunds’ piece delicately captures the resolve, hope, and passion of these local communities, who view the declining reputation of their home town as unjust.
Praise should not just go to the incredible Ayofe but also to Butler, who matches the narrator’s energy, delivers grandiose comic beats with effortless charm, and brings a complex, layered emotion to the fold. Lewis has big dreams of making it to college and breaking through the barriers of austerity, channelling his newfound skills and experience into lifting others in the community up. Amaia Naima Aguinaga completes the cast, delving into an array of supporting characters – lifting them from caricature thanks to her depth, humour, and physical performance skills.
Sam Edmunds’ The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return is a bold portrayal of the harsh realities faced by youth in austerity-stricken towns. It’s a poignant reminder of the resilience and resolve found within these communities, despite the many challenges they face. This production offers a refreshing blend of humour, heartfelt moments, and social commentary that hits like a poetic bolt of energy.
Tickets are available here.
Photo: Harry Elletson